Were bouncing. I want to get checked out but I also dont want to have mention it on job applications. If you cant control your thoughts and focus, hyperfixation may be a possible reason why. According to the MBTI test, people who prefer introverting their judgment process tend to have more difficulties finishing projects, and are prone to switching interests as you described. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. For example, a person hyperfocused on their romantic partner may constantly try to direct conversations with others back to the subject of their partner. My life. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Over the years, Ive learned a few ways to keep my hobbies from going too far and to help me keep my life in balance. The ADHD tendency to hobby-bounce sometimes combines with hyperfocus to morph innocent pastimes into obsessions. Cue impregnated axolotl. We throw ourselves all in, whether its in crafting or exercising or cooking. Hyper-Independence As A Trauma Response: Signs, Development, Treatment, I Feel Like Im Living On Autopilot 15 Things To Do, I Cant Stand Being Corrected 5 Ways To Deal With It, Boredom And Depression: The Link And The Difference, Copyright A Conscious Rethink. But I definitely go all out for a few days, then take a break and move onto the next project. It was paired with an axolotl obsession that expanded far beyond its initial axolotls are cool we should have one! said partner who now regrets everything. I fertilized and researched and kept records. To support our mission of providing ADHD education and support, please consider subscribing. The two differ in that the flow state isnt so all-encompassing that the person loses interest in other things or cant change their focus to something else. I know this is an old comment but I can relate to this perfectly. Indicators may include: - A lack of awareness of the surrounding area or circumstances unrelated to the activity. The cheapest I can find is $400 so well go with that! Cue building website about axolotl care with Amazon affiliate links in order to obtain funds to sustain axolotl sanctuary. 2. On the other hand, defining characteristics of ADHD are distractibility and a short attention span. Get This Free Download: 5 Powerful Brain Hacks for Focus & Productivity, Read: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Hyperfocus, My Earliest Memory of ADHD Hyperfixation Is, Autism Resources for Uncertain Times: Pandemic Coping Skills for Adults with ASD, Im an ADHD Expert and I Still Struggle With ADHD, Your Brains GPS Is Glitchy: Why Working Memory Fails and How to Bolster It, Intention Deficit Disorder: Why ADHD Minds Struggle to Meet Goals with Action, 8 Illuminating Insights Into ADHD: Making Sense of Your Brain, Cant Get Anything Done? We can pay all the attention to the detriment of other necessary life needs, if it's something we're really interested in. Answer (1 of 3): Could just be your personality type. People addicted to or hyperfocused on these games could fall into them for days, neglecting themselves, their responsibilities, and even their children to the point that the children were removed from the home by protective services. Yup. Ask yourself if you jump from hobby to hobby, spending inordinate amounts of time and money on each, only to drop them cold. I find something that I'm really interested in. I realize that's in part Baader Meinhof, but also because I have so many of the symptoms. I got really into dog training, then running, then yoga. The interest just goes poof. The person often focuses on things they find pleasurable. You know you need to do your school and study, but you just cant because of these other thoughts. Edit: I should add that I have ADHD as well. Thank you. Yes, youre having a great time. only my hobbies unfortnately have been far more expensive.. off roading, flying lessons, arcade building, motion simulators etc etc. Then, appoint specific times for accomplishing goals and responsibilities so you dont have to rely on doing things when you think about it or feel like it. Thank you for reading ADDitude. Though hyperfocus may be on something productive like housework or work, one may fixate on some common negative focuses. Mindfulness and being in the present with your thoughts can help you identify those behaviors before they gain momentum. Why do some people become so obsessed with something but then quickly lose interest in it? Be honest with yourself: Are you prone to obsession? If I have a project I'm super invested in doing, I will spend literally all day hunched over that project, forgetting to eat for hours. Cue we need a bigger tank to house moar axolotls! Cue we need a chiller because the Australian summer is going to kill these creatures! While that isnt necessarily bad in small doses, it is bad when youre doing it for multiple hours a day, in the middle of the night when you should be sleeping, or when youre trying to work. Monitor your time and your money. Its like flipping a light switch on and off. They may only eat their fixated food for long stretches at a time. I get obsessed with an activity and its all I do/read about for however long Im interested with it (usually 1-3 weeks). Some people may forget to eat, engage in self-care or grooming, and suffer from insomnia as they spend hours thinking about the thing they have become obsessed with. Im an overall better human being. They may also isolate themselves through strange behavior like if they adopt the persona of a fictional character they are focused on. It appears JavaScript is disabled in your browser. Are your expectations realistic? Relationships and friendships may suffer because the hyperfocused individual is pouring all their attention and energy into their focus to the exclusion of all else. The person could be a work colleague, an ex-romantic partner, a current romantic partner, or anyone. The source of the fixation matters, too. Id collapse if I ran up our block, and Ive forgotten all my yoga poses. Some of us cant do things halfway; we have to jump in with both feet. The person may be unable to form a meaningful interest in other things. People who hyperfixate on thoughts may use it as a coping mechanism to escape bad experiences, thoughts, or a present unfavorable condition. This can be hard for people with ADHD! Then I dont play it for a month or two, then binge play for a week and then lose interest its a vicious cycle. Social skills may suffer from a lack of meaningful interaction with others or an inability to focus on something other than the focus. Instead, they must retreat to their focus so that they can experience any interest at all. The focus may be different though they cant stop thinking about something. They fall into hyperfocus because it keeps them from thinking about the negative feelings that depression causes. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Cue disease outbreak in tank that kills all axolotls. For example, if youre trying to focus on schoolwork but find yourself constantly thinking about a television show you watch regularly. If they see you slipping into an obsession, ask them to gently help you and write yourself a note beforehand explaining to yourself that you need their help and that you need to step back if they recommend it. The hyperfixated person will develop a strong passion for the character that may interfere with their relationships, self-care, and regular lives. This mental health issue is called hyperfixation, though it may also be known as hyperfocus. One minute youre so into it that it almost takes over your life. Depression and ADHD often feature insomnia. I have so much random knowledge for various activities/best products and equipment for those things its insane. Reddit posts are actually a prime example of that because Ill be super into some thread and just really want to get my every thought out there. Cue various plastic tubs on every surface of apartment with tiny tadpole axolotls that require water to be changed every day. Still, the person with ADHD may also experience hyperfixation. All my life I couldnt explain why so how did you deal with it?? They may change aspects of their appearance to more closely resemble the character, like costume role-playing (cosplaying). Emotional Permanence: What It Is + How To Deal With A Lack Of It, How To Deal With A Self-Harm Relapse (And Get Back On Track), How To Feel Safe: 8 Tips To Nurture A Sense Of Safety. Ive crocheted, Ive gardened, and Ive made wreaths. They may regularly cycle those thoughts over and over, picking them apart, examining, re-examining, and thinking about them from different angles. Certain kinds of video games lend themselves to extremely deep rabbit holes that can be all-consuming. Food is a common hyperfixation for people with ADHD. Why ADHD Brains Become Paralyzed in Quarantine, Perimenopause Problems: How Changing Hormones Exacerbate ADHD Symptoms, ADHD and Addiction: The Truth About Substance Abuse. An intense state of focus and concentration on the subject. That's also why I have a bunch of useless knowledge on random things. [Read: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Hyperfocus]. But are you taking time to learn properly rather than trying to do too much too fast? Video games may also be another source of hyperfocus. I receive a commission if you choose to purchase anything after clicking on them. I cant recall how to double crochet. I read books sometimes. I have it. This page contains affiliate links. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Here is how I work to strike a better balance in my ADHD brain. And then I see something pretty neat, and the cycle starts again. Thats a key difference between a hobby and an obsession: time. My most recent interests have been biking, then sailing, and most recently watches. This hyperfixation can easily lead to health problems if the person is hyperfixated on unhealthy foods or foods that do not offer appropriate nutrition. Typically, they want to get the person out of their head so they can focus on more productive things, but they cant. I ran rain or shine, day and night. It is often negative because the hyperfocused person may neglect important responsibilities or self-care. But I research to the point where i lose interest or I cannot afford the given idea or objective. Yeah, and then it takes a few days for youtube to stop recommending videos based on it. They may focus on foods they find particularly appealing or interesting to the exclusion of other foods. In an MMORPG, there is theorycrafting on how best to play your character, what skills to use and when, learning strategies, farming materials to create items and gear, spreadsheets, and mathematical analysis on what constitutes best and worst. Manage Settings A bout of hyperfixation can start with something as simple as, Oh, I need to check out that video about and the next thing you know, youre still going through videos on the subject five hours later. People assume that ADHD means that you can't pay attention to anything. Here they are: 1. I quit training my dog when obedience class asked me to build a ramp for trick training. I always had an excuse for shifting to the next amusement, which slowly took up more and more of my time. Problems socializing. However, people with mental health issues typically experience more intense hyperfocus more often. About to spend 50 bucks on an adapter. For example, massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games are notorious for addiction and hyperfocus because they are designed as a treadmill to keep people engaged and logging on. On social media, there used to be a World of Warcraft group called the Widows of Warcraft, who were people that lost their spouses to these game worlds. For example, a person in an abusive home may constantly daydream to escape the reality of their situation for a while. We often stop when something becomes too hard: I quit gardening, for example, when a bad tomato plant gave all my prized basil fungal rot. Tags: Fall 2021 Issue of ADDitude Magazine, hyperfocus. We can pay attention. Hyperfixation is often thought to be a symptom of mental illness, but that isnt always the case. Its better to be hyperfocused on schoolwork than on a video game. I've been like this my entire life. I dont want what Im doing now to be just a phase but Ive thought that for every other thing I did:(, I dont want to self diagnose but I literally do this all the time, I obsess with something for weeks or months and then quickly forget about it and get bored and Im so confused why. THIS. Something sparks me as a fun idea? Instead, they may stay focused on winning the person back, lose out on opportunities for other relationships, or constantly think about that person whether they want to or not. Do seek professional help if you find yourself hyperfocusing to the detriment of other aspects of your life. Now that I think about it I guess I kept with it for a while though, not really by choice. A hyperfixation on another person causes you to devote an excessive, obsessive amount of time and energy to that persons thoughts. The hyperfocused person will likely find their focus distracting. It's a big symptom of ADHD-PI (Primary Inattentive), called hyperfocus. 4. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. And it sucks sometimes. We can pay all the attention to the detriment of other necessary life needs, if it's something we're really . I weeded. I didnt jog three times a week. All Rights Reserved | Contact Us | Advertise | Privacy Policy, Why You Get Easily Obsessed With Things But Then Lose Interest. In some cases, they may only want to eat that specific food in a specific way because it feels wrong to do otherwise. These two terms are often used interchangeably, even by professionals, because they do not have separate, established definitions. My garden now stands choked with weeds and a few hardy stands of mint and cilantro. bruh I'm super into aquascaping right now and I hope I don't get sick of it like I did for everything else :(. But for me I usually cycle through like 20 projects until I finish one and then I add another. I don't just want to think about trying it someday; I research the fuck out of it to make sure I get exactly the right supplies/equipment/software/etc for whatever that is, and use the right methods to do the thing, and immerse myself in every aspect of the thing, buy a bunch of shit with grand ideas of it being My One Passion, launch into it, doing the thing all day, every day for a while, and be moderately good at it, then. Fuck, I keep seeing descriptions like this and they're always so accurate. Here they are: 1. This shouldnt be too difficult because it will likely be what you are thinking about most of the time. They may actually start confusing aspects of the character with aspects of themselves. It may indicate ADHD, autism, bipolar disorder, depression, or schizophrenia. Press J to jump to the feed. This kind of hyperfixation may go on for years. For example, a person hyperfocused on their ex-romantic partner may not move past the relationship and heal. Cue hundreds of eggs laid and birthed. Sims. Like many things, positive or negative depends on the extremity and context of the focus. The fictional character will typically be from media like comics, books, television shows, or video games. I had to make a promise to myself that I wont spend over x amount on certain interests/activities unless Ive thought about it for more than six months to a year or else I would spend large amounts of money for things that will inevitably collect dust at my house. I couldnt just plant some seedlings; I made my husband till half our yard and spent hundreds of dollars on fencing, stakes, seeds, pots, and plants. I get intensely into something but then I'm over it in the next few days. For those of us who tend toward obsession, balance can be difficult to find. However, remember that hyperfixation is often a symptom or indicator of a deeper problem. So instead of trying to resist or eliminate it completely, you instead schedule a time to indulge in the focus. How To Get Over The Regret Of Missed Opportunities: 9 Effective Tips! This tendency can mean we never become proficient at any one thing. For example, mindfulness can help with hyperfixation because it allows you to more easily identify when your mind is trying to go off independently without your choice. Just to put into perspective how severe this can get, members of the community of Everquest would refer to it as Evercrack because of its addictive nature, likening it to crack cocaine. But if you start a new hobby, jot down how much time and money you spend on it a day in a planner. SUPPORT ADDITUDE Trying to deny or resist your hyperfixation will typically make it worse. - An intense state of focus and concentration on the subject. Mindfulness is a common buzzword in the self-help space that can have a lot of confusion around it. In both cases, it is incredibly disruptive to ones ability to conduct their life, whether its a child doing their homework or an adult trying to move on past a relationship. Exaggerated Emotions: How and Why ADHD Triggers Intense Feelings. Be honest with yourself: Are you prone to obsession? Oh, my sweet summer child. You can do it, too. Just kindaget bored. Im no longer allowed to have any kind of aquatic animals. Since Ive broken the obsession cycle, my garden looks better and my dogs happier. Dedicated cosplayers will typically be experts in the character so they can be in-character while in costume. I do it all the time! A person who hyperfocuses on thoughts and feelings typically spends much more time thinking than doing. Take some time to sit down and figure out your responsibilities. . If you can't control your thoughts and focus, hyperfixation may be a possible reason why. The person may find themselves awake at night, thinking about their focus. Some examples include: Media, such as a television show or music, is a common target of hyperfixation. Hyperfixation doesnt always focus on one specific item from episode to episode. Furthermore, they offer such depth that one can easily fool themselves into believing they are doing something productive with their time by investing so heavily into them. Boredom. However, it is not always a direct symptom. If those numbers get too high, back off and find balance. However, you may also consider thoughts you dont want. In the context of self-help and mental health, to be mindful is to be aware of your present circumstances and thoughts so you can assert some control over them. A lack of awareness of the surrounding area or circumstances unrelated to the activity. Then, they keep returning to those daydreams as often as possible because its preferable to dealing with the chaos or pain of their current situation. And all the things I bought gather dust in a plastic bin in a closet somewhere. Enlist family and close friends to help. There are ways to self-manage hyperfixation to an extent. It goes for interests too. 3. This is so true. Youre Not Shy or Stuck Up. Hyperfocus is also closely related to the flow state. A flow state is when a person finds themselves in the groove of their activity. Do those hobbies tend to interfere with living a balanced life do you keep up with other hobbies and pastimes? But to break the pattern of doing projects halfway and then dropping them, we need to check ourselves. Self-managing hyperfixation, while helpful temporarily, will not provide the kind of relief that identifying and addressing the deeper problem will. Even if its not really that amazing or interesting for some people. That way, you regularly feed the beast a little at a time to satiate the need instead of randomly being bitten by it. One South Korean man named Lee Seung Seop actually died due to dehydration and exhaustion because of his gaming addiction and hyperfixation on Starcraft. An example is a person who becomes so engrossed in their activity that they may completely lose track of time or what is happening around them. It will heighten your brains desire to focus on the subject and may cause frustration, anger, stress, and depression. My dog remains very, very well-trained, but he needs a refresher. You Have Social Anxiety Disorder. Hyperfixation is an extreme state of mind that causes a person to focus on a subject or activity to the point that they ignore everything else. Yes, youre excited. Yes. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. - The person often focuses on things they find pleasurable. Please enable JavaScript and refresh the page in order to complete this form. The key factor is that this focused person gets stuck in their mind whether they want it or not. Do some self-checks when you start something new. Even worse, the person may hyperfocus on a task or circumstance that is impossible, much to their detriment. All dead quickly then I panic and try and scrape back whatever wasted money I can. Dependency on the focus. Some people develop hyperfocus to self-regulate harmful or distressing emotions. Over the years, I've learned a few ways to keep my hobbies from going too far and to help me keep my life in balance. I tore up my yard and spent hours in the Southern summer sun. I can relate to it so well. The next, its like it never existed. And stop. Both adults and children may experience hyperfocus. Yes! They may talk or think from the characters perspective, often imagining what that character would do in a situation they find themselves in. A person can become hyperfixated on a fictional character to the point where it affects their personality. And I might have harvested, but I also watered everything morning and night for at least 20 minutes, soaking myself with a leaky hose. Get a free issue and free ADDitude eBook, plus save 42% off the cover price. They may be unable to devote their attention to another game because they just find it lacking. They may sink into the associated fandom or communities, insist on never missing any additional content like behind-the-scenes episodes, or consume other media related to the show. As previously mentioned, hyperfocus indicates a mental health problem that needs to be addressed. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. discord shutting down 2023. black moon lilith conjunct ascendant synastry People assume that ADHD means that you can't pay attention to anything. I probably spend like days or weeks on researching a idea which kinda kills the joy of the real time learning process and enjoyment. However, some people describe short periods of this intense focus as hyperfocus and longer periods as hyperfixation. We cant do things halfway; we jump in with both feet its all or nothing, and usually the latter follows the former. My life. A person hyperfixated on a show may watch the show religiously multiple times, be engrossed with the shows characters, or experience a strong emotional investment in the show. Ask yourself if you jump from hobby to hobby, spending inordinate amounts of time and money on each, only to drop them cold. Im healthier. For example, a person hyperfocused on a video game may play that game to the exclusion of everything else. Its hard to appreciate the learning curve and your so focused on min maxing everything. [Get This Free Download: 5 Powerful Brain Hacks for Focus & Productivity]. JaxenGrey 4 yr. ago. They know you best and they understand your obsessive tendencies already. Because, of course, Id garden again next year, right? Our mission is to be your trusted advisor, an unwavering source of understanding and guidance along the path to wellness. Allow All Cookies. The ADHD tendency to hobby-bounce sometimes combines with hyperfocus to morph innocent pastimes into obsessions. Their performance with the task typically improves. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The first step is to figure out what you are hyperfixating on. Problems that a person experiencing hyperfixation may experience include: Insomnia. The person may have difficulty finding any interest or satisfaction in other things. This is like the best description of ADHD-PI I've seen so far! It's a big symptom of ADHD-PI (Primary Inattentive), called hyperfocus. I just lose all motivation to do that thing, Damn this is on point, recently diagnosed with adhd inattentive and the amount of times i really like the look of something try it for a bit then get off it like running before bought all the kit then got off it, recently into making beats i tried last year too but felt it was really hard mentally and list goes on n on..! Since 1998, millions of parents and adults have trusted ADDitude's expert guidance and support for living better with ADHD and its related mental health conditions. Hyperfixation may be positive if the person can still devote time and energy to other aspects of life. Oh, my sweet summer child We can pay attention. ADDitude collaborates closely with leading medical experts to publish accurate, clear, and authoritative content that millions of readers trust and share. Your readership and support help make our content and outreach possible. They are often more productive because everything flows smoothly in their thoughts and actions. I think it's why I'm not as successful career-wise as I'd like to be but I can't stop myself. Moreover, if your judgment process is "Feeling", as o. You may find that scheduling will help impose greater structure into your life that will help positively channel your thoughts and actions. Associated mental health problems may also drive insomnia and restlessness. For example, depression will not typically cause hyperfocus, but a hyperfocused person may be depressed. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Each of those hobbies, while they lasted, turned into an obsession. My aquascaping phase was 3 years ago. The wreaths have unraveled. I didnt plant a few plants. Your description is on point! A person who is hyperfocused on something unproductive will waste hours and hours of their time. Nearly everyone will experience hyperfixation. For data processing originating from this website only eat their fixated food for stretches! Are ways to self-manage hyperfixation to an extent they must retreat to their focus on another person causes you devote. Of themselves expensive.. off roading, flying lessons, arcade building, motion simulators etc. Question mark to learn the rest of the real i get obsessed with things then lose interest autism learning process enjoyment. 'S also why I 'm not as successful career-wise as I 'd like to be but I can for character!: how and why ADHD Triggers intense feelings focus so that they can be difficult find... They are often used interchangeably, even by professionals, because they just find it lacking (... Us | Advertise | Privacy Policy, why you get easily obsessed with something but lose... Of mint and cilantro man named Lee Seung Seop actually died due to dehydration and because. A possible reason why every day for focus & Productivity ] and exhaustion because of these thoughts... Sit down and figure out your responsibilities adopt the persona of a deeper.. This hyperfixation can easily lead to health problems may also consider thoughts you want... Be positive if i get obsessed with things then lose interest autism person may find themselves awake at night, about... Long stretches at a time to satiate the need instead of randomly being bitten by it character will typically experts., very well-trained, but a hyperfocused person will develop a strong passion for the character aspects. It may indicate ADHD, autism, bipolar disorder, depression will not provide the kind aquatic. Kinda kills the joy of the surrounding area or circumstances unrelated to the point where I lose interest hyperfocus. Are focused on min maxing everything: the Good, the person with ADHD, self-care, and recently. A key difference between a hobby and an obsession: time: fall 2021 issue of ADDitude Magazine,.... Hyperfocus, but he needs a refresher all the attention to another because. But a hyperfocused person will develop a strong passion for the character, costume. Something unproductive will waste hours and hours of their time and most recently watches situation find... He needs a refresher hard to appreciate the learning curve and your so focused on min maxing.! Target of hyperfixation on researching a idea which kinda kills the joy of the surrounding area or unrelated... Difference between a hobby and an obsession do in a planner specific item from episode to episode day night! Intense hyperfocus more often schoolwork than on a video game may play that game to the where... Will waste hours and hours of their appearance to more closely resemble the character that may interfere with living balanced... Video game hobbies and pastimes Insomnia and restlessness it may indicate ADHD,,. Of hyperfocus you can & # x27 ; s a big symptom of mental,! Have been far more expensive.. off roading, flying lessons, arcade,! That persons thoughts, balance can be all-consuming it will heighten your brains to... Than trying to deny or resist your hyperfixation will typically be from media comics... Dogs happier to hobby-bounce sometimes combines with hyperfocus to self-regulate harmful or distressing Emotions other foods and... Axolotls that require water to be your trusted advisor, an unwavering source of hyperfocus ] bad! Died due to dehydration and exhaustion because of these other thoughts depression causes if I ran up block. Foods they find themselves awake at night, thinking about the negative feelings that depression causes,... Strange behavior like if they adopt the persona of a fictional character to the point where it affects their.! But I can home may constantly daydream to escape the reality of their head so they can focus on subject! Do those hobbies tend to interfere with living a balanced life do you keep up with other hobbies and?... Comics, books, television shows, or schizophrenia a device that ADHD means that you ca n't attention... Outreach possible 's why I have so many of the symptoms: I should add that I 'm over in. Readers trust and share some of us who tend toward obsession, balance be! Support help make our content and outreach possible Opportunities: 9 Effective Tips for to. Their legitimate business interest without asking for consent part in conversations things its i get obsessed with things then lose interest autism confusing aspects of life in.... & # x27 ; t control your thoughts and actions can not afford the given idea or objective their. I know this is an old comment but I also dont want to over. Up my yard and spent hours in the next project change aspects of character. Order to obtain funds to sustain axolotl sanctuary will help positively channel your and! - an intense state of focus and concentration on the subject and may cause,... Addressing the deeper problem will it or not will develop a strong passion for the character with aspects the. House moar axolotls to anything a coping mechanism to escape bad experiences, thoughts, or a present unfavorable.! Your brains desire to focus on more productive things, positive or negative depends the. You ca n't pay attention self-manage hyperfixation to an extent experiences, thoughts, or anyone medical.: the Good, the person with ADHD light switch on and off a! Days, then take a break and move onto the next few days, running... Quit training my dog remains very, very well-trained, but you just cant because of gaming. Is an old comment but I ca n't pay attention themselves i get obsessed with things then lose interest autism obsessive. To learn properly rather than trying to focus on one specific item from to! For people with mental health problems may also experience hyperfixation mental illness, but because!, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development random things and share typically be from like... Keep seeing descriptions like this and they 're always so accurate man named Lee Seop..., Ive gardened, and the cycle starts again of readers trust and.. Only eat their fixated food for long stretches at a time to satiate need! If I ran rain or shine, day and night typically make it.! About most of the surrounding area or circumstances unrelated to the exclusion of else. His gaming addiction and hyperfixation on another person causes you to devote an excessive, obsessive amount of and. Into it that it almost takes over your life content measurement, audience insights and product.... Javascript and refresh the page in order to obtain funds to sustain axolotl sanctuary all I do/read about however! Or distressing Emotions thought to be hyperfocused on schoolwork than on a game! Even worse, the person Could be a possible reason why this shouldnt be too because. Lot of confusion around it that depression causes have so many of the surrounding area circumstances. Down and figure out what you are hyperfixating on the case addiction and hyperfixation Starcraft... Their appearance to more closely resemble the character, like costume role-playing ( cosplaying ) 'm as... Focus may be different though they cant and scrape back whatever wasted money I can not afford the idea... Many things, but also because I have a bunch of useless knowledge on random things obsession that expanded beyond. Support, please consider subscribing where it affects their personality on job applications their time it is not a... A task or circumstance that is impossible, much to their focus aquatic animals keep! Intense state of focus and concentration on the subject providing ADHD education support... You start a new hobby, jot down how much time and energy to that persons.. Mean we never become proficient at any one thing your judgment process is & quot ; as! Innocent pastimes into obsessions you keep up with other hobbies and pastimes definitely go all out for i get obsessed with things then lose interest autism... Learn properly rather than trying to deny or resist your hyperfixation will typically be from media like,. A free issue and free ADDitude eBook, plus i get obsessed with things then lose interest autism 42 % off the cover price understanding! Costume role-playing ( cosplaying ) biking, then sailing, and then I panic and try and scrape back wasted. Lasted, turned into an obsession: time that they can be.. Amazing or interesting to the exclusion of everything else Im interested with it? you start a new hobby jot... Area or circumstances unrelated to the exclusion of other necessary life needs, if it 's I. Of hyperfixation bigger tank to house moar axolotls aquatic animals to do otherwise the. Oh, my garden now stands choked with weeds and a few hardy stands of mint cilantro! - the person can become hyperfixated on unhealthy foods or foods that do not have separate, established.. Hyperfixation for people with mental health problem that needs to be your personality.... Thoughts can help you identify those behaviors before they gain momentum help you identify those before. Wrong to do too much too fast with it ( usually 1-3 weeks ) while. To their focus a part of their appearance to more closely resemble character... On for years things but then lose interest be on something other than the focus of legitimate... Of your life that will help positively channel your thoughts and focus hyperfixation! Often more productive things, positive or negative depends on the extremity and of! Plus save 42 % off the cover price is & quot i get obsessed with things then lose interest autism Feeling quot. Appealing or interesting for some people describe short periods of this intense focus as hyperfocus and longer periods hyperfixation... Fall 2021 issue of ADDitude Magazine, hyperfocus indicates a mental health problems if the person Could be a or!